Kurri Kurri High School Newsletter · Kurri Kurri High School Newsletter 20th May 2016 Speed areering areer aspirations and awareness is a high priority for Year 10 students. During

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Kurri Kurri High School Newsletter Making the Best of Ourselves

Deakin and Stanford Streets Kurri Kurri 2327 Ph. 4937 1877 Fax. 4937 3773 www.kurrikurri-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Number 3 May 20 2016

Important Dates

24 May 2016 Year 7 Immunisations

24 May 2016 P&C Meeting 6.30pm

25 May 2016 Zone Athletics

26 May 2016 Komatsu Uncovered

27 May 2016 Crowne Plaza Uncovered

27 May 2016 HSC Study Day Singleton

1 - 3 June 2016 Year 9 Peer Support Camp

3 June 2016 Regional Cross Country

8 - 10 June 2016 Year 7 Camp

15-17 June 2016 StarStruck

16 June 2016 BURN Legal Aid Presentation

16 June 2016 Hollywood Rhapsody CAPA

21 June 2016 Black Dog Insight Presentation Years 11&12

22 June 2016 Cyberbullying Yrs 7,8,9

22 June 2016 Year 6 Visit

24 June 2016 STARS Excursion

29 June 2016 Teenage Expo Roadshow

The Principal - Mrs Breese

"Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself." I have had a very warm welcome to Kurri Kurri High School. I thank the students who have come to visit my office and make me feel welcome. The diversity of the school community is a lovely thing! Thanks also to the wonderful staff across the school that have helped me in the first few weeks to find my way around and learn some of the processes. The merit assemblies were wonderful and a true celebration of hard work, commitment to learning and the focus in the school on the PBL value of personal excellence. The ANZAC ceremony was a wonderful and respectful event. The students were extremely reverent of the 1-minute silence and were captivated by the speakers- they were especially captivated by our special forces dog who had completed three tours of Afghanistan. A special thanks to Cheyne Cole of the Royal Australian 2nd Commando Regiment for joining us and introducing the students to the very important role of work in the armed forces. We all continue to learn. Whether that be in our home, our

work or our relationships we continue to learn from making

mistakes and improving to be better people. I believe in

making all of us better people, to be more compassionate and

empathetic in our work as teachers, nurturing all students

academically. To continue to show children there is always

hope. That life can get better and we can make better choices.

I believe children make mistakes, and as adults, we are there

to nurture them into not making the same mistakes again.

My belief is that we continue working with staff to improve

student outcomes , and improving their capacity to be lifelong

learners . This is a great passion I have and I bring this from all

of my experiences as a lead educator.

I look forward to working hard for all of our children families

and our wider community to broaden student learning and

develop a love of learning across our learning community.

CONGRATULATIONS TO TERM 1 STUDENT OF THE TERM CHLOE MYERS - YEAR 12

Chloe has earned this award due to her great attitude and application to her learning in general, as well as commitment to representing the school for dancing at Maitland Art Gallery.

This award is generously supported by Kurri Kurri KFC

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Kurri Kurri High School Newsletter 20th May 2016

Deputy Principal Stage 5 - Mrs James-Cliff (Relieving)

Welcome back to Term 2. I hope you all enjoyed a fun, relaxing holiday. I was fortunate to finish off the holidays by attending the Kurri Kurri ANZAC March with our school captains, Daniel Eyeington and Caprice Wooley who spoke beautifully and looked fantastic while representing the school at this wonderful community tradition.

Back at school, we started the term with our own ANZAC assembly. We enjoyed a moving performance from Lachlan Campbell and thank our guests for their time and sharing the significance of ANZAC with us, in particular Flight Leiutenant Kendal Smith from RAAF base Williamtown and Private Cheyne Cole Royal Australian 2nd Commando Regiment.

This week has signalled the beginning of a few exciting initiatives with the commencement the Youth Express Links for Learning Program for 5 students who were successful in securing a position through the preliminary interview process. Similarly, we have had 5 girls ranging from Years 8-10 begin a targeted early intervention girls education program through the Cessnock PCYC which will run each Tuesday during Term 2.

On a cultural front, we have about 15 students from Years 9 and 10 embarking on an ambitious environmental rejuvenation project during sport this term as they work towards

clearing the overgrown scrub behind B block and establishing an Aboriginal bush tucker garden and Yarning Circle. This project will be enhanced by the school's successful community grant application which has secured $1000 funding for this initiative.

The students from our Year 10 Beauty Course also have big plans for Term 2. They are currently readying themselves for an upcoming event which will see them invite a guest into the school for an afternoon of pampering as they put their newly acquired skills and knowledge into practise. No doubt their guests will thoroughly enjoy the upcoming experience.

As usual, our commitment to the PBL core values of excellence, respect and safety will underpin all our activities this term and we encourage parents and carers to continue the conversations we have at school about the importance of these values across all areas of life and society in general.

Deputy Principal Stage 6 - Mrs Glasson

I would like to formally congratulate and welcome Tracey Breese as Kurri Kurri High School’s new Principal. I have worked with Tracey for many years and we share a common passion. That passion is the provision of the best education opportunities for Kurri Kurri’s young people. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position.

Term 2 brings for Year 12 students, many challenges. These challenges include;

consolidation of previous learning in preparation for the Trial HSC,

continued pressure to maintain enthusiasm and commitment leading up to the HSC

consistent home revision and study

planning for 2017.

The next six months is a transition period to post school life. For some students this is a confronting process. We have many staff who are able to assist Yr 12 students through this transition period. I urge all students to seek the assistance, in the Learning Centre of either;

Mrs Gibbs (Mondays and Tuesdays)

Mr Rippon (Thursdays and Fridays)

Both Mrs Gibbs and Mr Rippon have formally retired, they both have long standing commitments to the students at Kurri Kurri High School. As HSC markers, their knowledge and expertise can only serve to assist our students achieve their best possible outcomes.

As well, other staff who can support senior students include

School Counsellor - Mrs Falk

Year Advisors - Mr Krause and Mr Davis

Careers Advisor - Mr McKinley

We welcome our new Careers Advisor to the school this term, Mr Mick McKinley. Mr McKinley also brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our school. He too, will assist the Year 12 students transition to post school destinations. I would like to thank Mr Scriven for the work, enthusiasm and commitment he has given to all our students in his role as Careers Advisor.

Important dates for both Years 11 and 12 are:

27th May - Yr 12 Singleton HS Study Days

19th July – Yr 12 Trial HSC begins

23rd May – Yr 11 Work placement for selected students

As always I am here to assist and support students, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) STARS Bronze Morning Tea Term 1, 2016 - Mrs Owen

At the start of the year, the GOTCHA merit award system was introduced. This was a way for teachers at Kurri Kurri High school to recognise students demonstrating “Excellence”, “Respect” and “Safety” in all aspects of Kurri Kurri High School life. This could be either in the classroom or out and about in the playground.

If students received five GOTCHAS this would equate to one STARS award and once students achieved five STARS awards they could receive a Bronze award. Not only are students with Bronze awards recognised at the end of term morning teas. Student names are also placed into a raffle and at each school assembly may be drawn out to win a range of different prizes.

This term over one hundred students were invited to the Bronze Morning Tea. It was a wonderful opportunity for students to come together in a relaxed environment in the school library and enjoy a range of delicious foods prepared by our wonderful canteen staff at Kurri Kurri High School.

On behalf of the PBL team congratulations to all the term 1 recipients of the Bronze award. Please keep up this level of excellence throughout term 2.


Deputy Principal Stage 4 - Mr Hope

Welcome back to staff, parents and students to term 2 of 2016. There is a busy term ahead with many positive initiatives and events ahead for students in year 7 & 8.

We started off the term by celebrating student success with our Term 1 Merit Assemblies. Over 100 students in year 7 and 8 were acknowledged for their positive attitude to learning which was a fantastic achievement. The Stage 4 assembly was conducted by Lucy Bacon and Jaymie Hawkins who did an excellent job speaking in front of their year groups and assisting present the awards. I would like to personally congratulate all students who were presented with a certificate as it shows that staff and students within Kurri Kurri High School are striving for excellence in their education.

We also have out year 7 Annual Camp at Active Education coming up which always promises to be a fun and challenging three days as staff and students face the activities at the Morisset centre. Ms Knox is now in the final stages of planning this activity, however, there are still places available for students who have not yet confirmed their attendance. I would encourage all students to attend this camp as it builds upon the success of Peer Support in Term1 and builds upon student skills to establish positive relationships with both staff and students whilst demonstrating mutual respect and of course, have a lot of fun.

We of course also have NAPLAN exams which have just recently been completed and all students in year 7 were extremely positive in their attitude and behaviour completing the tests with a lot of enthusiasm. I am hopeful that this translates into some very positive results for students. NAPLAN tests are extremely important sources of information for staff at Kurri Kurri High School as results are utilised to inform teaching programs, support and enrichment activities for students. Congratulations to all students for their positive approach to the tests and also to Ms Tucker for her organisation of the extremely busy NAPLAN week.

With winter approaching and the onset of some colder weather I would like to remind students and parents about the KKHS winter uniform. Uniform guidelines are set out on the school website and should be worn everyday.

Finally, I would like remind everyone of our PBL values: Respect, Safety and Excellence which are being taught in our PBL lessons each week. I would also like to wish all students a successful, engaging and positive term 2.

P & C Meeting

Next meeting:

Tuesday May 24th

6.30pm

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Speed Careering

Career aspirations and awareness is a high priority for Year 10 students. During the speed careering day recently held, students spent time with representatives from a range of employment, industry and higher education organisations.

Run in a similar format to Speed Dating, students had the opportunity to hear the career stories of members of the defence force, child care, outdoor education, social work, nursing, engineers and retail to name a few. While these ca-reers may not be what individuals are specifically thinking of, the aim of the event is to open students minds to the opportu-nities and pathways people take in life. Most importantly we are encouraging students to think about their own futures.

Our year 10 students engaged extremely well with the presenters and felt that the event was very valuable in

assisting them consider careers options.

Later in the year, a High Impact Day (HiP) will be held to provide further support to prepare year 10 for their senior years and entering the workforce. We encourage students to participate in as many of these events as possible.

A special thank you goes out to our wonderful Year 11 Student Ambassadors who hosted the day: Emily McGowan-Crook, Victoria Maples, Brayden Bean and Oscar Harvey. Their professionalism and friendliness was praised by our visitors.

Year 10 Child Studies - Mrs Owen

Year 10 Child Studies Students throughout term 1 and 2 have been learning about the importance of Child Health and Safety. As a part of their assessment task students had to research, design and present a safety area to the preschool children at Kurri Early Childhood Centre.

Many hours went into the designing of the posters and students were a little nervous at first. On the day however, our Kurri High students rose to the challenge and presented to the children with ease.

When we discussed this experience at the childcare centre the feedback from year 10 was very positive. The students enjoyed the experience of designing a poster and having the real-life and challenging experience of presenting to small children.

When I went back to the centre to thank the staff a day later, I could see the posters hanging on the walls of the preschool rooms this was a wonderful sight to see. Coloured copies of student work were made before donating the posters to the childcare centre. They are now also proudly hanging on the walls of our Child Studies classroom.

A very big thank you to all the staff involved on the day at Kurri Early Childhood Centre. Year 10 Child Studies students look forward to running the structured play activities later in the year.

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10 PASS Surfing Excursion to Port Stephens - Mr Derry

On Thursday the May 5th and Friday May 6th, 20 lucky Year 10 PASS students accompanied Ms Douglas and myself to beautiful Port Stephens.

It was nothing short of an action packed two days. On the Thursday alone, the itinerary included water slides at the Tomaree Aquatic Centre, a 2hour surfing lesson at One Mile Beach, some late night shopping, a movie and finally a beach walk along Birubi Beach.

The Friday was as energy filled as the Thursday. Staring with a big walk up Tomaree Headland to burn off breakfast, this was followed by 2 hours of kayaking as well as stand up paddle boarding along the Shoal Bay Foreshore. We then rewarded ourselves with a well earned “Schnittie” at Nelson Bay Diggers before heading home to Kurri Kurri.

All the operators, from the surfing instructors to the paddle boarding guides, commented on what a great bunch of students we have and that we are welcome back any time. We just might have to take them up on that offer.

Year 10 Authentic Assessment

Year 10 students will begin the mentoring process for their Authentic Assessment Interviews from Week 4 this term. Students will receive their booklets and undertake preparation for this significant event during their PBL lessons on Thursdays.

Authentic Assessment is an integral component of Kurri Kurri High School and allows students to reflect upon the real-world skills they have developed in their subjects. The process also provides valuable interview experience at a time when many of our students our moving into the world of employment.

It is essential that students store their assessment tasks for Term 4 in preparation for the 2016 Authentic Assessment Program.

IO Support Class Garden By Hayden and Luke

In science our class have started to make another garden bed to grow flowers.

We have planted daffodils and Irises with Mr Price and hope to sell them to staff later in the year.

Last week, Lloyd picked the first lemons from our lemon tree.

Congratulations to our term 1 Merit award recipients, Hayden

Nickerson -Ceramics, Luke Hoare -Science and Ethan Herbert-

Mathematics. Congratulations to Brock Hilditch who

celebrated his first STARS morning tea in the library with staff

and peers.

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Kurri Kurri High School Europe Trip

9th April –21st April 2016 Ready for our big journey we left our beautiful families behind to start our Europe tour with 21 eager and slightly nervous students and 3 teachers being Mrs L’Green, Mrs Upfold and Mrs Curran.

We left from Kurri Kurri High School on our Rover Coach set for Sydney International airport. After a very long flight we landed in Singapore for a short stop over and then another longer flight on to Rome. It was a very long day!

Our tour guide, Simona met us at the airport and then our walking tour began. We walked around the city centre of Rome, which included some beautiful places such as Piazza Navona, Pantheon and the beautiful Trevi Fountain. We stayed in a convent for our first two nights and students had many exciting stories to share about the nuns. The first one to pop into my mind is when a nun opened the boy’s room door and peered inside and then after seeing the mess yelled, “Disgraceful, Disgraceful……” and then closed the door and walked away. I cannot forget to mention that this is where Mrs Upfold hurt her foot quite severely and then whilst courageously hobbling back to the convent was almost driven on top of by a car!

The lovely and knowledgeable Sandra was our tour guide through the Colosseum (which was, quote “absolute amaze-balls”) and the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. I cannot praise Sandra enough as she gave us a unique experience of Ancient Rome, the Colosseum and Forum and was able to engage our students in the history of Ancient Rome. We then had a little bit of time for lunch before we made our way to St. Peters square where we visited the beautifully serene Vatican. There was no doubt that this was the point that we were exhausted as the uncontrollable tears rolled. Some students were sick, homesick and others, including some teachers throbbed in pain and others just needed a good sleep. Don’t worry though, this group did not let it get to them as we all gave everyone good hugs and soldiered on.

We then travelled to the Bay of Naples. What a beautiful place! Most of us walked up Mt Vesuvius. Mrs Curran returned and said “I must admit that it was a long and tiring walk”. Some, however once reaching the market stalls decided they could no longer go any further and spent the time shop-ping up a storm . We stayed at the Hotel Mary which was quite picturesque.

In Pompeii, students had an amazing opportunity to actually see some of the history that they have been learning about and have made some unique memories. A big Thank You to Mrs Upfold as she missed todays Pompeii visit to look after one of our ill students. Dr. Estelle Lazer was an amazing tour guide and then came back to our hotel and delivered a lecture that was very interesting. She was very impressed by our students and their questions. Then off to Herculaneum which was another enlightening experience. Student quote: “It was weird to think the houses surrounding it are on top of a whole civilisation”.

We then flew from Naples airport to Orly and then the longest bus trip ever to Belgium. We arrived at the student accommodations after midnight and there were hardly any goodnights heard over the quick closing doors and off to bed.

We then visited Flanders battlefields, memorials and a cemetery of Australian soldiers. We were joined by tour guide Brad Manera, who was able to give us an insight into so many untold stories of our soldiers. It was a very long and intense day for all the students and the teachers. We had two students too ill to participate in today’s events and it was Mrs L’Green’s pleasure to stay back at the hotel and have a rest day. We all re-joined the group for the visit to the Menin Gate for the daily ceremony. Alicia, Angus and Georgia were our wreath bearers, it was a proud moment that the students enjoyed. Then onto the Belgium chocolate shop where most students began spending their precious euros.

The next day we all went to the Somme Battle fields. What an adventure we had visiting Pozieres, Thiepval, Le Hamel, Villers-Brettoneux. Thiepval was where Emily’s Great Great Grandfather’s name was written and remembered. Later that day whilst we were a fair distance from the bus we encountered a huge rain storm that was freezing cold and gave us an insight as to how uncomfortable it would have been for our soldiers in the trenches.

The following day we made our way, eventually after our bus was fixed, to Paris. We visited the Eiffel tower and enjoyed our Seine River Cruise. We got to experience Parisian culture, ride the Metro (without losing a single student) and enjoy the beauty of Paris.

Our last day in Paris and the students and teachers had a blast at Disneyland where we spent many Euros and enjoyed our day in the Happiest Place on Earth.

A Big Thank You to all the students, you were a pleasure to be with for the entire trip and we all thoroughly enjoyed your company and fantastic sense of humour.

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CAPA Cont’d...

Congratulations to Lachlan Campbell for his sterling solo performance at the ANZAC commemoration.

Emily and Jed performed a moving rendition of 'I still call Australia home' today at the Citizenship Ceremony at Cessnock

It’s wonderful that so many students perform and share their talent with the whole school and community. Well done. These performances can be viewed on the CAPA Facebook page.

Congratulations to Year 9 Dance who successfully auditioned for the Hunter Dance Festival, I look forward to seeing your performance early next term.

IMPORTANT DATES

Star Struck rehearsal - 26/5

Star Struck show week – 14/6 – 18/6 – further information will be provided to students as we receive times etc. Tickets are also on sale now.

Dramaworks – Yr 11 students – 20/6-24/6

Belvoir Street Theatre excursion 29/6

CAPA News - Ms Dunlevie HT

Term 2 is one of our busiest terms with Star Struck, auditions for various festivals, excursions, assessment tasks, half yearly exams and half yearly reports. Below are the highlights of term so far.

This month Year 11 and 12 Drama students were given the opportunity to attend the Belvoir Street Theatres production of “The Great Fire” in Surry Hills. This funny but deeply felt performance, with a brilliant ensemble cast explored the notions of family, holding your course, and questions what will survive in the Australia we know of today. Witnessing this production was invaluable to this group of students as they begin an investigation of Play building and it’s processes on both a HSC and preliminary level. Not only was this useful for their development within the Drama course but served as a relatable and humorous theatrical experience. What a fabulous day! Miss Calver

Visual Arts students from years 11, 12 and selected year 7 and 9 students, had the opportunity to visit this year’s ArtExpress exhibited at the Armory in Sydney on the 5th of April. The exhibition demonstrates the imagination and creativity reflected in the Bodies of Work created by students for the 2015 HSC. Students were inspired to see the depth and range of works displayed in a broad range of subject matter, approaches, styles and media. Miss Crooks.

We now have a tradition of students performing at various assemblies and events at school, which takes a lot of courage, commitment and skill.

Congratulations to the following students for their excellent performances at the Merit Assemblies. Michael Sim & Lachlan Campbell, Stay Together for the Kids, Reece Johnstone, Noah McIntyre, Sam Grills & Tony Stair performing TNT, Emily McGowan-Crook, Victoria Maples, Tom Anderson, Jack Anderson, Jed Kinch & Blake Hemphill, Gold on the Ceiling and anthems by Mariah Turnbull, Kirsty Lambert & Mykaela King.

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Bill Turner Cup Under 15 Girls - Miss Kermode

The U15 girls’ soccer team kicked off round one on Thursday of last term with a massive 18-0 win against Cessnock High. All of the girls gave it their all and represented Kurri Kurri High School with pride. It was very impressive to watch some of the year 7 girls step up and score some cracking goals. The future is bright for girl’s football at KKHS. The goals were shared around by the girls with;

Lucy Bacon – 1

Brooke Kennedy – 4

Ainsley Childs – 4

Sophie Bartlett – 1

Hollie Winter – 1

Chelsea Gay – 6

Alannah Elliott – 1

Best and fairest was quite difficult to pick, as all of the girls played exceptionally, however our captain Brooke Kennedy was best and fairest as she held up the middle of the park and really led the team. She also scored an impressive 4 goals. The girls will compete in a gala day next month where they will play two games in the hope that they will progress through to the next stage.


Sport Report - Ms Gavenlock

Term One ended on a high as our Bill Turner Cup Girls Team defeated Cessnock High 18- 0. The girls now move onto Round 2 of the competition under the expert coaching of Miss Kermode; you can read more about this in her article.

At the recent State Swimming Championships Denver Kearney once again excelled in the pool. His medal haul included:

1st 50m Butterfly

2nd 100m Backstroke

2nd 100m freestyle.

Denver will now compete on Friday 6th May in the Combined All School Swimming Championships and we are sure he will continue to be a great representative for KKHS.

A massive congratulations to Lauren Gardner and Daniel Eyeington who have been successful in their nomination for the CHS Lawn Bowls Singles Championships to be held in Warilla in early June. We wish these students every success as they continue to represent Kurri Kurri High School on the bowling green.

Last Friday saw students compete in the Zone Cross Country. Congratulations goes to Angus Lathan and Chloe Geering for making it to Regional Cross Country

Opportunities for students to represent Kurri Kurri High Schol this term include our Open Girls Soccer Team, Knights Knockout Rugby League and Futsal.

Looking Ahead in Rep Sport for Term 2 :

3rd June – Regional Cross Country Cessnock Race Course

25th May – Zone Athletics Glendale

Outstanding sports people: The following students were recently nominated as finalists the Cessnock City Sportsperson of the Year Awards :

Brooke Kennedy - Futsal - named in the Australian 12-13 years girls futsal team that will travel to Barcelona in November

Jack Franklin, Sophia Bacon, Joshua Bacon & Lucy Bacon - for team efforts in football and athletics at state level for Mulbring Public School in 2015.

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Tyson O’Neil - Junior Athlete of a Disability Award - for achievements in Goalball and Athletics - chosen to represent NSW at the Australian Goalball Championships in October 2015 and the Pacific School Games in Nov 2015 Keegan Pickering - Junior achievement for motorcycle racing

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School newsletters are no longer going to be posted out. You can receive your newsletter via email, read it on the website or on

the school app.

PLEASE MAKE SURE WE HAVE A CURRENT EMAIL ADDRESS

EMAIL TO: [email protected]

Or call 4937 1877

Stay up to-date on the school website and on facebook

www.kurrikurri-h.schools.nsw.edu.au

Documents

Kurri Kurri High School Newsletter · Kurri Kurri High School Newsletter 20th May 2016 Speed areering areer aspirations and awareness is a high priority for Year 10 students. During